How To Know If Shoes Are Slip Resistant
Slip-resistant shoes are specifically designed to prevent slipping on wet or smooth surfaces and can make walking safer for both employees and patients in hospitals, retirement communities, hotels, restaurants, and other public areas. The shoes are also called non-marking shoes. The outsole on the shoe will have rubber lugs on them which grip on wet or smooth surfaces, preventing slippage. There is usually more cushioning on slip-resistant shoes because of the extra use they get. All these things should be considered when finding the right slip-resistant shoe for you!
How to tell if shoes are non-slip?
There are many ways to know if shoes are slip-resistant. These are given below-
Read the tag or look at the box
The tags or boxes on most slip-resistant shoes say whether or not they are slip-resistant. Sometimes it will say what surfaces they are slip-resistant on.
Look at the tread of the shoe
Some shoes that do not slip-resistant have very smooth soles without any grooves or marks making them slick in wet conditions. Slip-resistant shoes usually have grooved soles or small channels in the rubber which help to grip when walking on surfaces that are wet or smooth.
Look for a non-marking rubber sole
Non-marking soles usually have a texture that allows the bottom of the shoes to grip slippery floors but doesn’t leave marks on them. The treads in most slip-resistant shoes have this type of sole. There should be a label
Look at the outsole
The outsole on most slip-resistant shoes will have rubber lugs that grip on wet or smooth surfaces, preventing slippage. Also, look for treads that are deep and wide, helping to prevent loss of traction when walking on slippery surfaces.
Check the insole
The insoles of slip-resistant shoes are usually thicker. This gives extra comfort and support for walking on slippery or wet surfaces.
Check the insole padding
Slip-resistant shoes usually have extra cushioning on the inside because of all the use they get.
Look for deep treads
Deep and wide treads will help prevent loss of traction when walking on wet or smooth surfaces, which is common when wearing slip-resistant shoes that are non-marking. Some slip-resistant shoes are called “safety shoes” because of the treads which are added to help prevent loss of footing on wet, slippery surfaces. If you are looking for safety shoes, know that they will have extra thick soles and deeper treads!
Find midsole cushioning
Slip-resistant shoes usually have extra cushioning because of the miles they will get. Look for midsole cushioning when buying slip-resistant shoes that are non-marking, and provide comfort and shock absorption when walking on wet or smooth surfaces. Slip-resistant shoes with removable inserts can be purchased at some stores which you can add to your existing pair of slip-resistant shoes, or already have selected. When the inserts are removed from slip-resistant shoes, they can be worn with any pair of non-slip footwear including your old pair!
Select a slip-resistant shoe with a steel shank
Shoes with a steel shank add extra stiffness and support while walking on wet surfaces. This will help prevent your feet from slipping and provide more stability when wearing slip-resistant shoes.
Check the laces
Slip-resistant shoes usually come with rubber tips on the laces, which prevent them from getting wet or slippery while walking in wet areas. Look for boots that have extra waterproofing to keep moisture out, and nylon or plastic laces that are easy to clean.
Check the tread
Oil-resistant or slip-resistant shoes will have a particular thread. This thread may be round or hexagonal in form. These structures will drain the liquid and avoid slippage. Larger numbers of tiny forms prevent slides better than small quantities of large ones.
Examine the Sole’s Shape
Flat edge soles collect moisture beneath the shoe, causing hydroplaning. Look for rounder soles.
Seek grooves
Look for grooves like a tractor tire. Soles with flexible sections are less prone to retain water since the liquid is channelled out from beneath the sole. This holds you up.
Feel the Sole
Anything too difficult is undesirable. Opt for a grippy rubber sole. Instead of being hard and stiff, the sole will be softer and more malleable.
Try Them Out
It’s time to test on your new shoes. Take off your shoes and stroll around in them. Take note of your foot’s movements.
Slide
Try it out and see whether your foot remains still or if it slides a little. A smooth bench is ideal for testing the soles if there is none available. The shoes should grip immediately.
Buying Online
Focus on Sole
Look for the features that make the shoe slip-resistant, just as you would in a shop.
- Is there a groove?
- Are there any?
- What’s in the sole?
Read Product Reviews
Most skid-resistant shoes may be found in the work and safety shoe section. Examine the reviews and, if you can, inquire. People usually remark whether they functioned effectively in slick conditions.
Final Words
Now that you know how to tell if shoes are slip-resistant. The above-mentioned ways will help you to choose slip-resistant shoes. So, you can now confidently find the right pair of non-slip shoes for your line of work! Slip-resistant shoes can be found at most stores with an onsite shoe department. If they do not have a separate section for slip-resistant shoes, sales associates should be able to recommend the right type of shoes for your needs. If you are unsure about which pair would work best for you, or if you need any help finding slip-resistant shoes, ask any store employee. They will know what kind of shoes are non-slip or how to make shoes less slippery to fit your demand.
